Introduction: Why Visit Da Nang?
Have you ever seen the purple sunset over the Han River? Or felt the salty sea breeze at 5 AM before sunrise? Or smelled the rich aroma of Mi Quang noodles on a rainy day?
If not, you must try it once!
I'm a Da Nang local, grew up by the Han River. Let me share the real experiences — the hidden corners that only locals know.
🌅 Part 1: Early Morning — Sunrise at My Khe Beach
5:00 AM - Jogging Along the Beach
My Khe Beach, voted by Forbes as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. But few know that early morning is the golden time — no crowds, no harsh sun, just you and the sea.
💡 Tip: Bring a towel, sit on the wet sand after jogging, dip your feet in the cool waves. That's how locals start their day.
6:30 AM - Street Coffee & Banh Mi
After jogging, I stop at a streetside coffee shop on Nguyen Van Thoai Street. A cup of Vietnamese iced coffee — not too sweet, not too bitter — perfectly balanced.
If hungry, order a Hoi An Banh Mi — crispy bread, homemade pate, fresh herbs from Tra Que village. Only 20-25k dong!
🏛️ Part 2: Morning — Getting Lost in Hoi An Ancient Town
8:00 AM - Ancient Town in the Morning
From Da Nang, ride 30 minutes along Truong Sa coastal road to Hoi An. This route is stunning — blue sea on one side, luxury resorts on the other.
Arrive at Hoi An at 8 AM, the ancient town is still quiet. This is the best time for photography — lanterns not yet lit, sunlight slanting through moss-covered roofs.
🎨 Best photo spots:
- Japanese Covered Bridge — symbol of Hoi An
- Fukian Assembly Hall — ancient Chinese architecture
- Tran Phu - Nguyen Thai Hoc corner — red lanterns hanging
10:00 AM - Breakfast at Hoi An Market
Hoi An Market is by the Thu Bon River. In the morning, it's bustling with vendors and the smell of fish sauce, fresh herbs, grilled rice paper...
I usually have Cao Lau — a legendary dish unique to Hoi An. Yellow chewy noodles, fragrant char siu pork, fresh greens. Only 35-40k dong!
🌊 Part 3: Afternoon — Beach & "Million Views" Photos
2:00 PM - An Bang Beach: "Paradise Found"
After lunch (I order Hoi An Chicken Rice at Ba Buoi's — shredded chicken, turmeric rice), ride to An Bang Beach.
An Bang is 4km from the ancient town but much quieter than Cua Dai Beach. Crystal clear water, white sand, bamboo beach bars. Lie in a hammock, drink a cold coconut, listen to the waves — feels like paradise!
5:00 PM - Sunset over the Han River
Back in Da Nang, stop at the Han Riverbank near APEC Park. This is the best sunset spot in the city.
When the sun sets, the sky turns from orange to purple-pink, reflecting on the sparkling river. Dragon Bridge lights up, Tran Thi Ly Bridge glows like a sail. Simply breathtaking!
🏮 Part 4: Evening — Magical Lanterns and Floating Flowers
7:00 PM - Ancient Town at Night
Return to Hoi An at 7 PM — this is the main show!
Thousands of colorful lanterns light up, turning the ancient town into a magical painting. Folk music echoes from corners, incense scent lingers in the air.
Walk along the Hoai River, watch small boats carrying tourists to release flower lanterns. Each lantern is a wish — for money, love, health.
🌸 Must-do experiences:
- Release flower lanterns on Hoai River (10k/lantern)
- Buy lanterns as souvenirs (50-200k depending on size)
- Rent Ao Dai for photos in the ancient town
🌟 Part 5: Da Nang at Night — Dragon Bridge Fire Show!
9:00 PM - Free Show Unique to Vietnam
If you're in Da Nang on Saturday or Sunday night, don't miss the Dragon Bridge fire and water show at 9 PM!
The giant 666m dragon stretches across the Han River, suddenly opens its mouth and breathes fire — then sprays cool water. Crowds cheer on both sides. Absolutely amazing!
📝 Travel Tips
Transportation
- Rent motorbike: 100-150k/day
- Grab/Be: Available in both Da Nang and Hoi An
- Da Nang → Hoi An: 30km, about 30-40 minutes
Weather & Clothing
- Best season: February-August (warm, less rain)
- Rainy season: September-December
- Wear: Light clothes, sandals, sunscreen
Price Reference (2026)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mi Quang | 35-50k |
| Cao Lau | 35-45k |
| Banh Mi | 20-30k |
| Chicken Rice | 40-60k |
| Ancient Town Ticket | 120k |
Conclusion: See You in Central Vietnam!
Da Nang and Hoi An are not just tourist destinations — they're home, full of memories and stories.
If you have 1 day, follow my itinerary. If you have 2-3 days, add Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge!), Marble Mountains, and Cham Islands (snorkeling!).
See you in lovely Da Nang! 🌊
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